Oliver Cromwell saved Irish wolfhounds from extinction

Ten little known facts about the Irish wolfhound breed - VIDEO

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Two Irish wolfhounds take part in New York's annual St. Patrick's Day parade

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1.  He/she was originally a war dog used to drag men off horseback or off chariots.

2.  He was also used as a hunting dog and a guard dog. They hunted wolves and elks when they were abundant in Ireland.

3.   Oliver Cromwell saved the Irish wolfhound by refusing to allow the export of any more from Ireland after the numbers dwindled.

4.   In the mid 1800s Capt George  Augustus brought the breed back form the verge of extinction by cross breedings with deerhounds, great danes and mastiffs

5. The pure  Irish wolfhound comes in various colors, from cream to black. Wheatens, reds of various shades, and greys from pale silver to slate are included, either with or without brindling. White on tip of tail and feet (and legs) is acceptable, but excess white spotting (blaze or collar) is not.

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6.   There is also a color  in the breed which is considered impermissible which is blue. In the past, if this color occurred the affected puppies were put down at birth or as soon after as their color became obvious.

7. Wolfhounds usually adore children. However, they are not always good with other animals especially smaller ones because of their hunting instinct. and that is something that should be borne in mind.

8. The Royal Irish Regiment , Prince William’s regiment in  the British Army has a wolfhound as mascot

9. They are sometimes used in Scotland for herding sheep and are said to be almost as good as the border collies.

10. They are not considered the brightest of dogs, compared to border collies or other breeds.

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